From October 12, 2025, entry into the Schengen area and many EU countries will change: instead of the traditional stamp, the control system will be replaced by a digital Entry/Exit System (EES). Travelers will have to go through a one-time biometric data registration procedure — a photo and (if adults) fingerprints — and then verify the information on subsequent trips.
The external borders of the Schengen area are going digital. The EES is not just a technical innovation, but a major change in the control procedure: the system will record passport data, photos and biometrics (fingerprints + face) of non-residents in an electronic register to automatically track the duration of stay and reduce the possibility of document forgery. In practice, this means that at the first border crossing after launch, the passenger will be asked to scan their passport, take a photo and, if they are an adult, give their fingerprints - in case of refusal, entry may be denied.
In parallel, a phased launch will begin: countries must ensure the operation of at least one border crossing point from October 12, then the system will be deployed over several months; full functionality is planned for next year. Organizers expect that some of the registration will be done through self-service kiosks, and the first registration will take an average of minutes - however, queues and delays are possible during the transition period, so travelers are advised to arrive for control with plenty of time.
Special attention should be paid to children: persons under 12 years of age will be registered, but fingerprints will not be taken for them - only a photo. Those who already have documentary status in an EU country (e.g. long-term residence permits) are generally not subject to the EES registration requirement; the rules on exceptions vary depending on the type of document.
It is also worth knowing about ETIAS, a separate electronic authorization system for visa-free citizens. ETIAS is not a visa, it is a preliminary travel authorization that is issued online and will be valid for several years. The official launch of ETIAS has been postponed: the system is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026, and after its launch, most visa-free travelers will have to obtain authorization before traveling; the cost of the basic application will be a symbolic amount stipulated by the regulations. Until ETIAS starts operating, travel remains without additional paid authorization.
What this means for Ukrainians and those with temporary protection: persons who are registered and traveling with confirmation of temporary protection in an EU country have a separate status and are not subject to the obligation to register for ETIAS; at the same time, all travelers without resident status will be subject to the EES rules as "third-country nationals" and carry a biometric passport. Specific requirements may vary depending on the circumstances and the country of entry, so it is advisable to check the official notices of the country of arrival before traveling.
Practical advice for travelers is simple: check the expiration date and the presence of a biometric chip in your passport, allow extra time for security checks at the airport or at the border crossing, and keep digital and paper copies of your documents. If you are traveling with a child under 12, be prepared to have them photographed, but not fingerprinted. If you have medical or other reasons for refusing biometrics, contact the border service for clarification in advance.
Users are not burdened with a fee for the EES — the system registers data without a separate fee from the traveler. After the launch of ETIAS, authorization will be paid, but its launch is planned for later (the last quarter of 2026). We recommend avoiding third-party services that offer “expedited” processing for a significantly higher fee: the official cost of the basic application and the procedure will be indicated on official EU resources.
